Shock at moors road tragedy

The Whitby community has been paying tribute to a local dad who was killed in a car crash this week.

He was named locally as James Jackson who lived on the old Creamery site in the town.

James died following the incident on Tuesday afternoon on the stretch of the A169 moors road between Whitby and Pickering.

The 33 year old became a father for the first time to baby Freddie on Christmas Eve with his wife Alison. He was the manager of the Spar shop on Castle Road and had worked at the Co-op before that.

James was a keen sports fan and followed football, cricket and angling in the town. Whitby Town Football Club released a statement and former Blues manager Darren Williams also paid tribute to James.

A post on the club’s official Facebook page said: “A sad day today, as Whitby Town learned of the passing of one of its loyal supporters, James Jackson. James was a lover of local sport and followed the Blues for a number of years. A kind, caring and funny person who has been taken from us way too soon. Our thoughts go out to James’ family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jacko.”

Darren Williams who was sacked by the club in November said: “I’m saddened to hear today of a loyal Whitby town fc fan has lost his life in an accident , I may not be there anymore but appreciate the times I had a support I had from the fans . RIP my thoughts and prayers are with his family right now.”

There have also been dozens of comments and tributes to James

Joanne Abbott wrote: “Rest in peace was a pleasure to work with you in the coop always a smile for everyone a true gent thinking of your family at this sad time.”

Fossie Hutchinson added: “Can’t believe you’ve gone Jacko.its been such a pleasure sharing time and beers with you with your witt and bubbly personality making everyone smile.

“Watching the Seasiders is never gonna b the same again RIP mate Ste&Manda.”

Police say there was a collision between a black Renault Twingo and a white DAF HGV lorry at around 2.35pm. Ambulance and fire crews attended to three casualties at the scene which were a man and a woman in the car, and a man driving the HGV.

A special police crash investigation team is now investigating and are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the collision, or either of the vehicles involved, is asked to dial 101 and ask to speak to TC Matthew Tanfield of the Major Collision Investigation Team or email Matthew.Tanfield@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk